Rani is often seen carrying her little ones around or teaching the boisterous trio how to play fight.

Already, the cubs have started to explore their outdoor enclosure under mum and dad's watchful eye.

(Image: Chessington Zoo)

The zoo team are at pains at all times not to interrupt the lions' natural rearing process to make sure the trio have the best possible bond with their parents.

Both Rani and Kamal are first time parents and are proving naturals, said Chessington.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

And keepers say they are already starting to see the little ones' personalities shine though, with one little troublemaker already spotted tugging at mum and dad's tails.

Asiatic lions are an endangered breed that 100 years ago was faced with extinction.

(Image: Chessington Zoo)

Kamal was specially chosen to come to Chessington as he was a perfect genetic match for Rani. Together, the couple and their family are part of a species survival program which is already bearing fruit.

Chessington’s carnivore keeper Michael Zurnamer said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome our new lion cubs to the Zoo and the positive impact this has for the species breeding program.

(Image: Chessington Zoo)

"We can’t wait for guests to see our little Asiatic lion cubs - they are sure to be a rare sight here."

The new family reside at Chessington's mythical Trail of the Kings, open during the zoo's Winter’s Tail event where guests can get a glimpse of the cubs as they play and explore alongside mum and dad.

Chessington has launched a "Wake Up With the Lions" hotel package as part of its Father Christmas sleepovers over December 18-23. More information is available on the Chessington website.